Saitek Cyborg Evo: Joystick Junkies

We're not just the best players in the world at Battlefield 2, but we're modest with it too. Even we have to admit though, it's not entirely down to personal skill -- it's more to do with the mechanical upgrades we've managed to augment ourselves with, turning us into the ultimate killing machine. We're talking a top of the range Alienware PC, a Philips 26-inch LCD, Zboard's specially designed Battlefield 2 keyboard, and now this Saitek Cyborg Evo joystick. If this were the real battlefield, it'd be like having an arsenal of gatling guns, heat-seeking missiles and a signed affidavit from the President for a nuclear airstrike.

After using the joystick to control the airborne vehicles in Battlefield 2, we've realised that the keyboard and mouse were about as practical as driving a car with your teeth. It's pretty easy to set up -- the joystick even adjusts for lefties -- and when you jump into a helicopter to lay the smackdown you can achieve pinpoint accuracy.

Analogue control means that you can bank the planes like never before, dodging missiles as though they were insignificant little squirrels on the road. It's like being Tom Cruise in Top Gun, although we doubt you'll find Kelly McGillis waiting for you when you land -- just a sniper's bullet heading for your cerebellum.

Saitek's joystick is easy to set up, comfortable and has more buttons than a real pilot has to deal with. It costs £50 and is available now. -GC